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en-usCopyright 2015 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/alter-ego-issue-6-gargoyles-gaze/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/alter-ego-issue-6-gargoyles-gaze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/alter-ego-issue-6-gargoyles-gaze/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Last time in Massively's DC Universe Online comic, Batman tasked Kid Critical with finding out what Bane's thugs are doing in Gotham City's East End.

As it turns out, the enforcers are offloading crates of the masked madman's venom at the Cape Carmine docks. Can The Kid stop them before Bane's strength-boosting street drug makes its way through Gotham's criminal underworld? Find out in Alter Ego: Issue #6 - Gargoyles' Gaze, after the break!

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alter-egoalter-ego-5alter-ego-issue-5banecomiccomic-bookcomicsconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-comicdcuo-comic-bookf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygargoylegargoylesgargoyles-gazekid-criticalmassively-dcuo-comicplayerstation-4playstation-3playstation3ps3ps4soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesvenomThu, 16 Jan 2014 16:00:00 -0500319|20807014http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/alter-ego-issue-5-opportunity-knocks-in-dcuo/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/alter-ego-issue-5-opportunity-knocks-in-dcuo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/alter-ego-issue-5-opportunity-knocks-in-dcuo/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Previously in Massively's DC Universe Online comic, Kid Critical teamed up with Batwoman to rid Gotham of the Scarecrow and his hallucinogenic fear gas. Now, a new villain is filling the void, as the masked strongman Bane has set up shop in the city's East End and is terrorizing its citizens with an army of thugs powered by his rage-inducing venom.

Can The Kid and the Bat family put a stop to his nefarious plans? Find out in Alter Ego: Issue #5, after the cut!

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alter-egobanecomiccomic-bookcomicsconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-banedcuo-comicdcuo-comic-bookf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerykid-criticalmassively-dcuo-comicopportunity-knocksplayerstation-4playstation-3playstation3ps3ps4soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesvenomThu, 02 Jan 2014 16:00:00 -0500319|20797280http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/not-so-massively-d3-launches-european-beta-and-hon-celebrates-1/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/not-so-massively-d3-launches-european-beta-and-hon-celebrates-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/not-so-massively-d3-launches-european-beta-and-hon-celebrates-1/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsLeague of Legends announced a new photo contest this week and continued its world tour series with a look at the game's French playerbase. Fans have also been preparing for the Intel Extreme Masters world championship. Dota 2 implemented a new co-op matchmaking mode that pits players against bots, and the studio released classic hero Atropos, the Bane Elemental.

The Diablo III beta grew significantly this week with the first round of European invites making its way to potential players. Blizzard confirmed that a big game announcement is almost here and discussed its recent layoff of over 600 employees. Blacklight: Retribution celebrated its open beta this week with a new an impressive new trailer filmed with entirely in-engine footage.

Heroes of Newerth celebrated its 100th hero this week with the gripping intelligence hero Kinesis, who deals massive damage by hurling trees and creeps at foes. Rise of Immortals released its spotlight on Kaos and revealed details of upcoming immortal Azcadelia.

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action-rpgatroposAzcadeliabanebattlenetbeta-invitesbeta-keysblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportsesportesportseuropeeuropeanf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfrancefree-to-playfrenchgothic-fantasyheroes-of-newerthhonIntel-Extreme-Mastersintelemkaoskinesisleague-of-legendslolmmofpsmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvppweriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamestrailervideoMon, 05 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0500319|20185357http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Today sees the launch of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, which represents a destructive "reboot" button on the world of Azeroth. The old has been made new by virtue of fiery explosions that have rent the very earth in twain, and WoW gamers will have to find their footing all over again. As you might imagine, it's made one big-ass mess, which is compounded by the fact that there are no janitor classes in the game to sweep it up (the next hero class, perhaps?).

However, the notion of an in-game cataclysm is hardly the sole domain of Activision-Blizzard; on the contrary, large-scale apocalypses pop up all the time in MMOs. After all, nothing grabs the attention like the end of the world (but hey, you still feel fine)!

In a list that in no way is meant to capitalize on any expansions that may or may not be on the market, we're going to strap on our Kevlar suits, slather our arms with 1000 SPF sunblock, and take a brief tour of 10 worlds that have dated cataclysms -- and lived to tell the tale.

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Activision-Blizzardagent-smithapocalypsearenanetascalonazerothbanebig-bangblizzardc-storecataclysmchampionschampions-onlinechickenscity-of-heroescohcrypticcryptic-studioscrystal-warcrystal-war-revisiteddetroitelrondEverQuest-2everquest-iifacebookfallen-earthff11ffxifinal-fantasy-xigethguild-warsgwhumoricarus-studiosjack-emmertjohn-smedleykiller-virusklingonmaplestorymegatronmillennium-citymono-dohmonorailncsoftnew-game-enhancementsnew-jerseyngenorrathnuclear-warparagon-cityperfect-10perfect-tenpicardpost-apocalypticpost-searingquadavrex-the-sheepdogriktiromulansearingsoespace-invadersstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-the-next-generationstar-wars-galaxiesstarfleetstoswgtabula-rasathe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenvwheres-waldo-in-tagsWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmzombiesTue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 -0500319|19742811http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/aliens-strongmen-clowns-and-doom-featured-in-new-shots-from-d/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/aliens-strongmen-clowns-and-doom-featured-in-new-shots-from-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/aliens-strongmen-clowns-and-doom-featured-in-new-shots-from-d/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsDC Universe Online continues to break the boundaries of what makes a great MMORPG. The action-based game by SOE and Warner Bros. features the amazing art of Jim Lee and WildStorm Studio. The riggers and texture artists at SOE's Austin studio have done their best to capture what it feels like to live and breathe in the DC Comics world.

Today, the development team has sent us some brand-new screenshots showcasing the locations your legendary hero can visit in DCUO. If you're a Batman fan, you know Bane, the super-strong villain who pumps himself up on a serum called Venom. And if you don't know the Joker, then you don't know DC Comics. Of course, the Hall of Doom is the underwater fortress at which all the baddy-bads of the world can gather. Brainiac is amassing forces against the research centers at Area 51. Bane's Venom Lab, Joker's Amusement Mile, Area 51, and the Hall of Doom are all featured in the gallery below.

After you check out the screenies, visit the official DCUO website to preorder the game. The next legend could be you!

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Amusement-mileArea-51Banebrainiacdc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuogalleryHall-of-doomJokerlocationsscreenshotscreenshotsSOESONYVenom-labWarner-BrosFri, 19 Nov 2010 18:00:00 -0500319|19726650http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/tabula-rasas-shutdown-salute-schedule/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/tabula-rasas-shutdown-salute-schedule/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/tabula-rasas-shutdown-salute-schedule/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Listen up, soldiers! We're going to post this once and only once, so I want all eyes and ears on this blog post! Do you get me!?

*Waits to hear the chorus of "We get you, sir!" coming from the computer monitor.*

We have gotten word from AFS High Command that the Bane are preparing for an all out attack against the Allied Free Sentients in Tabula Rasa. This will be the single largest troop movement that the battlefields have seen to date. This is why all soldiers are being asked to fortify all AFS bases in preparation of an attack on Saturday at 8 PM GMT for the Centarus (EU) server and again at 8 PM CST for the Hydra server.

These attacks will be lead by the infamous Neph, cousin race to the benevolent Eloh. Neph are the most intelligent commanders that the Bane has to throw against us, but we will fight them back!

The attacks are expected to last until midnight GMT and midnight CST. If we are unsuccessful with our defense, and should we be overrun, then we will make sure that their victory will cost them everything! The Penumbra Division has been ordered to ready the last resort weapon and only fire it should we still be under attack at midnight. If we're going down, we're taking them, and the server, with us!Hoo-rah, soldiers!

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afsallied-free-sentientsattackbanebasebreakingdefenseeloheventin-game-eventnephpenumbrargtrrichard-garriotts-tabula-rasashutdowntabula-rasaFri, 27 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0500319|1473887http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/tabula-rasa-introduces-new-epic-bane/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/tabula-rasa-introduces-new-epic-bane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/tabula-rasa-introduces-new-epic-bane/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
In the worlds of Tabula Rasa, the Bane have been relentless in their attacks against the remaining humans who threaten their plans of complete domination. In response to this, they have developed a new type of super-troop to turn the tide in their favor a bit. These new Bane are called E.P.I.C., or Enhanced Primary Invasion Conscripts. They have shown up in small groups sporadically throughout Foreas and Arieki, killing all AFS they encounter.

According to the most recent Feedback Friday, these Epics will need a full squad of high-ranking soldiers to take them down. Among the Epics spotted so far, there have been reports of Caretakers, Technicians, Grenadiers, Pistol and Rifle Soldiers wreaking havoc across the two planets. Is this a last-ditch effort by the Bane, or a simply a distraction used while they focus their true power elsewhere? Hop in game and find out as the interesting elements of TR's lore continue to unfold.

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banedestination-gamesepicsfeedback-fridaylorenc-westncsofttabula-rasaMon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:00 -0500319|1374654http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/major-tabula-rasa-event-only-days-away/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/major-tabula-rasa-event-only-days-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/major-tabula-rasa-event-only-days-away/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
According to an in-character communique from Tabula Rasa postergirl Sarah Morrison, something big is about to hit the proverbial fan. The implication is that a large-scale Bane attack is coming, and scuttlebutt among the game's players suggests that General British himself may make an appearance:

'Increasing Bane activity has been detected across Foreas and Arieki over the past few days. [...] seeking to get as much intel as possible to explain this and have managed to intercept a message between what we believe to be one of their primary Tactical Operations Centers and one of their motherships [...] hard at work trying to decipher the entirety of the message [...] contained information on a possible large scale assault scheduled to take place in approximately 9 days. [...] is probably the last message I am able to send through this channel. It has become increasingly difficult to [...]. Hopefully the bulk of this message will reach you.'

The date of the event, November 2nd, should be familiar to Tabula Rasa players as the day the game went live, almost a year ago. It's also the anniversary of Massively - good heavens, hasn't the time flown?

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baneeventsgeneral-britishncsoftrichard-garriottsarah-morrisontabula-rasaTue, 28 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0400319|1354431http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/blood-pact-affliction-and-demonology-in-patch-3-0-2/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=WoW&ncid=rss_semi
http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/blood-pact-affliction-and-demonology-in-patch-3-0-2/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/blood-pact-affliction-and-demonology-in-patch-3-0-2/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=WoW#comments
It's easy to be disappointed with Warlocks, really. The best tree we have right now is Affliction, and is just really fun to play while dealing incredible damage. This is sad news for a lot of players who enjoyed playing Demonology or liked pressing their Shadow Bolt button with a dead Succubus. For one thing, going deep Demonology nets us a half-baked 51-point talent (more on that later) and killing off your Succubus for 10% more Shadow damage doesn't seem as compelling anymore.

To top it all off, we're simply squishier than ever in PvP. We've lost Stamina, lowered survivability, and need to make major sacrifices in PvP if we're to pursue deep Affliction or Destruction. Thankfully, Blizzard recognized this and -- according to Ghostcrawler -- will be making an important change to Soul Link by increasing the damage absorbed to 20%. It will still be inacessible if we take 51-point talents at Level 70, but it should be alright by Level 80. Unfortunately, when we finally get there, we'll be sharing gear with lowlife Mages and Priests. I mean that literally -- those guys simply used to have lower life totals.

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AfflictionBaneBlood-PactChallenging-HowlDemon-ChargeDemonic-EmpathyDemonic-SacrificeDemonologyEradicationEverlasting-AfflictionGlyph-of-CorruptionGlyph-of-Shadow-BoltHauntImmolation-AuraImproved-CorruptionImproved-Demonic-TacticsMetamorphosisNightfallPandemicPatch-3.0.2Seed-of-CorruptionShadow-BoltShadow-CleaveShadow-MasterySoul-LinkTalentsWarlockThu, 23 Oct 2008 19:30:00 -040099|1346893http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/patch-3-0-2-primer-for-warlocks-part-iii/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=WoW&ncid=rss_semi
http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/patch-3-0-2-primer-for-warlocks-part-iii/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/patch-3-0-2-primer-for-warlocks-part-iii/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=WoW#commentsDestructionLong considered the most efficient raiding spec throughout the Burning Crusade, Destruction will get a run for its money with the new and improved Affliction. It also remains to be seen if Blizzard's efforts at steering the spec clear of mindless Shadow Bolt spamming will prove successful. Certainly, there's more emphasis on Fire spells this time around, which we'll see deeper into the tree. If you do spec deep Destruction, do tell me how it goes. Send me a postcard from Naxxramas.

Change is felt right off on the first tier as the popular Bane is moved up here. It's exactly the same, so getting it a tier earlier is a definite buff. Improved Shadow Bolt is unchanged, but I'd hold off on putting points here. Unless you're determined to pursue a Shadow Bolt spam spec, there're a good bunch of talents deeper in the tree to spend your points on.

Cataclysm swapped places with Bane but was buffed in a sense because it now just costs 3 points for a 3% cost reduction but now grants crucial +Hit. We'll need it as we level up and re-gear in Northrend. Three points here is mandatory. In more point-saving generosity, Aftermath was reduced to a 2-point talent for the same effect. Does it make the talent any better? No, it still sucks. But now it sucks for three points less.

On tier two we also see Molten Core, a new talent introduced to mix things up a little for Destruction. Molten Core encourages the use of DoTs, which are likely to proc it more than Shadow Bolts. This is great talent for Destruction Warlocks looking to specialize in Fire spells, as well as low enough in the tree for other specs such as Demonology, to pick up. If we want to diversify our play style, we should put three points here.

If you're only branching out to Destruction from another tree, you might be faced with the decision of choosing between tier three's Shadowburn and a 51-point talent. I'll say it right off that you should skip Shadowburn. On the other hand, if you're moving deeper into Destruction, pick it up because you'll be sure to find a use for it. Five points in the more accessible Ruin is mandatory, as well. We can skip Demonic Power, which is essentially Improved Lash of Pain and Improved Firebolt rolled together. [EDIT: Sephirah correctly reminds me that Demonic Power ups DPS directly because we're going to have our Imp attack, anyway. So, score some points for Demonic Power!]

The unchanged Destructive Reach on tier four is mandatory while the other talents are completely optional. If we're looking to PvP as Destruction -- why not? -- we should pick up Intensity not just for the pushback protection but because it's a prerequisite for a stun effect. We'll save points by skipping Improved Searing Pain. No, really. We're going to skip it.

Devastation was moved to tier five, swapping places with Ruin. Now it's one talent point for a 5% crit, which is one of the best single point investments we can make in any tree. We'll also want to get Improved Immolate because aside from the fact that it's been buffed from 25% to 30% for two talent points less, we'll need it to get something really cool deeper in the tree. Besides, Blizzard really wants us to use Immolate. Pyroclasm is entirely optional, even for PvP considering the only spell we'll really use that can proc it is Conflagrate.

We want Emberstorm. It's that simple. 10% more damage from Fire spells and a faster Incinerate is sweet. Also on tier six is the reworked Nether Protection, which now procs off any spell. It no longer grants immunity, but a damage reduction from any school. In some ways it's a buff since it can protect against Frost or Holy, for example, but it also no longer confers immunities to Silence or other Shadow spells (which probably wasn't intended to begin with). Unless we want more mitigation in PvP, we can skip that.

Tier seven is where it begins to get a bit tight. We want Conflagrate, since it's an excellent one point investment. If we're raiding, we can actually skip Soul Leech since we really should be healed, anyway. If we solo or PvP, it's a great talent to have. It also opens up opportunities for our pet on the next tier. Backlash is another PvP talent for those time when Rogues or Warriors are being mean to us, but because there's a 3% crit bonus, I'd say we pick it up.

Up next is Shadow and Flame in tier eight, which we'll max out because it scales Shadow Bolt insanely and tempt us to just spam the thing. Fortunately it also affects Chaos Bolt and Incinerate, so we may steer clear of the evil path of mindless Shadow Bolt spam. Since we skipped Soul Leech, we're obviously locked out from Improved Soul Leech. But feel free to pick it up for pet loving if you have points to spare.

On tier nine, I'm skipping Shadowfury only because we've been moving away from PvP-centric talents in this post. I know, I know, some of you insist that Shadowfury is awesome for PvE, so you can very well spend that talent point there. It's just one point, anyway. What I'm really interested in is Backdraft. Didn't I say Improved Immolate would lead to something cool? Well this is it. It's a mini-Bloodlust or Heroism for three spells. Because Destruction is all about cast times, 30% haste is gold.

Then we get Empowered Imp on the same tier. Check out that icon. That's one badass Imp. If little Rupjub crits, I crit. Well, almost. I get 20% more crit on my next spell, which is pretty darned good. The idea is to get the Imp into the action by spending talents to make it hit hard enough. He'll crit eventually. Here's where we can revisit Improved Soul Leech to keep the little guy topped up. See, I told you to hold off on getting Improved Shadow Bolt.

If you find spamming direct damage spells a little mind numbing, you can invest some points into Fire and Brimstone. Didn't I tell you that Blizzard wants us to use Immolate? Well, here you go. Immolate will hit hard with this talent. The cool -- or uncool, depending on how you look at it -- is having to watch Immolate's duration hit the 5 second mark before throwing out a Conflagrate. Yes, I know this screws our timing up, but someone's bound to make an AddOn to tell us when to cast Conflagrate. Right? Anyone? Bueller?

And then there's Chaos Bolt. It's a 51-point spell on a 12 second timer. Sure, it pierces through absorption effects and all that stuff... but 12 seconds? I mean, I can't kill a Pally with it anymore and I can only cast it every 12 seconds. Well, we're getting it anyway. We've gotten this deep, right? Besides, it deals whopper damage and it's great for teaching those Shadow Cloaked Rogues a lesson. It's a pretty decent one point investment and can do wonders once we figure out how to work it into our newly confusing and complex (but fun!) rotations.

Well, that's the last of our Warlock talents primer for 3.0.2. I hope that helped you decide which direction you want to take your Warlock when the realms go up. I'm leaning towards a hybrid myself, but Haunt is so deliciously sexy...

Zach helps guide you through the changes in 3.0.2, so you can be enthralled in all the demonic love Blizzard's thrown together. Check out other 3.0.2 Talent Guides, too, as well as everything about the so-called Echoes of Doom.

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AftermathBackdraftBacklashBaneChaos-BoltConflagrateDemonic-PowerDestructionDestructive-ReachDevastationEmberstormEmpowered-ImpFire-and-BrimstoneImproved-ImmolateImproved-Searing-PainImproved-Shadow-BoltImproved-Soul-LeechIntensityMolten-CoreNether-ProtectionPatch-3.0.2Patch-3.0.2-talent-guidePyroclasmRuinShadow-and-FlameShadowburnShadowfurySoul-Leechtalent-guideTalentsWarlockTue, 14 Oct 2008 12:45:00 -040099|1341630http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/blood-pact-destruction-in-wrath-beta/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=WoW&ncid=rss_semi
http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/blood-pact-destruction-in-wrath-beta/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/blood-pact-destruction-in-wrath-beta/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=WoW#comments
And then there's Destruction. I'll be honest and admit I was never a huge fan of Destruction. Spamming Shadow Bolts and -- this was what made it oddest for me -- having no pet out didn't feel right at all. I believe that Warlocks are a pet class, and sacrificing our pet for more DPS throughout entire encounters was off, even if it was the infernal thing to do RP-wise. The classic 0/21/40 raiding build essentially made our demons a 6 second cast buff.

Things are going to be somewhat different in Wrath of the Lich King, although Destruction is still pretty much the tree for blowing up things into oblivion. A lot of the talents incentivize mixing up spells and steer away from chain casting Shadow Bolt. A talent deep in the tree also rewards keeping a pet out. The tree is essentially a crit tree, the tree to make things go boom, although Blizzard clearly wants Destruction Warlocks to throw other things into the mix.

For every major class mechanic overhaul in the Wrath Beta, there's also a few minor tweaks for other classes as Blizzard works on perfecting the new talents and class balance for release. Today, it's the Warlocks' turn. MMO-Champion has discovered a few changes to the official talent calculator for the Warlock. Check it out after the jump.

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afflictionbanechaos-boltconflagratecurse-of-exhaustiondemonic-empathydemonologydestructioneternal-flamesfearfirefire-and-brimstonehauntimmolateincineratemetamorphosissearing-painshadow-boltwotlk-betawrath-betaMon, 04 Aug 2008 18:00:00 -040099|1274697http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/news-flash-afs-pushes-against-bane-at-valverde-plateau/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/news-flash-afs-pushes-against-bane-at-valverde-plateau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/news-flash-afs-pushes-against-bane-at-valverde-plateau/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsDateline: the planet Foreas. Those psychotic raiders from beyond the stars, the Bane, are giving our boys in the field what-for. In response, high command of the AFS has authorized a big push against those conniving crusties at the Valverde Plateau. Now known as the "Battle for Trinity Bridge", the boys of the AFS are pushing back against those no-goodnicks in a big way.

If you're going into battle, TenTonHammer has what you need, soldier. Their guide to the Plateau and the surrounding regions will let you take the fight to the front lines, and beyond! From Fort Defiance to Maligo Base, all the boys in the field are swearing by it; make sure to read up and then hit them where it hurts! For the video news about these offensives, with high-quality footage from the AFS Network, check below the cut. Good hunting, soldier!

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afsbanedestination-gamesncsoftplanet-foreasrgtrtabula-rasatrThu, 08 May 2008 19:00:00 -0400319|1189902http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/tv-shows-that-could-be-mmos-battlestar-galactica/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/tv-shows-that-could-be-mmos-battlestar-galactica/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/tv-shows-that-could-be-mmos-battlestar-galactica/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsWatching the final season of the new Battlestar Galactica the other night, and getting only a taste of the amazing, chaotic, shaky-cam ship-to-ship action left us wanting more. But even better than a full episode devoted to space combat would be an MMO based in that world. How would that work, you ask? We're glad you did! Keep in mind that this article assumes basic knowledge of the show universe and its characters. If you haven't seen it, get thee to a torrent, or a rental store immediately!

First, consider some of the great two-sided rivalries in MMOs: Horde vs. Alliance; AFS vs. the Bane; Humanity vs. Hell -- Mankind vs. the Cylons fits right in. In fact, since the show itself manages to portray both sides as sympathetic, there isn't too much storyline massaging to be done; the universe of Galactica is nicely morally ambiguous. All that really matters is survival.

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AFSalliancebanebattlestar-galacticabsgcallsigncenturionscylonsfeaturedhellhellgate-londonhordejoystiqfeaturesmilitarynoobnuggetponderosaraidersrobot-dogssci-fispace-combattabula-rasathe-simsworld-of-warcraftWed, 16 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0400319|1167449http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/tth-guide-to-the-torden-mires/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/tth-guide-to-the-torden-mires/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/tth-guide-to-the-torden-mires/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsTabula Rasa's The Mires is a zone that's messy, more than a bit laggy, and infested with Bane. It's also the staging point for most of the activity on the Torden continent. This virtual version of Hades is for characters in their upper 20's (levels 27-30). Covered with enormous mountains, raging rivers of lava, and precarious cliffs, this zone is also filled with dozens of missions, three different instances and two control points to battle over. With all that, wouldn't it be handy to have a guide?

Even though we here at Massively try to keep you up to date with all the hot, breaking news you can handle... we miss some things. Take for instance this little nugget: did you know that the "crapton" (Tony's words) of reviews for Tabula Rasa (personal plug: I wrote the first world exclusive review on the day it released) seem to repeatedly compare it to World of Warcraft. Uh, excuse me? I've played WoW. I've played TR. The two are nothing alike. TR is better looking, has better game play (because it has really BIG guns!)... just kidding! TR is my pint 'o beer while WoW is not. That's why so many MMOs can exist. Not everyone has to like every game. But I digress...

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AFSAFS-Field-ReportBanedestination-gamesncsoftrichard-garriotttabula-rasaten-ton-hammerTony-RadarX-JonestrWorld-of-WarcraftWoWFri, 04 Jan 2008 19:30:00 -0500319|1077534http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/tth-guide-to-the-bane-weapons-facility/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/tth-guide-to-the-bane-weapons-facility/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/tth-guide-to-the-bane-weapons-facility/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
So you find yourself at the 30-ish level in Tabula Rasa, and you feel like hitting the scum sucking Bane right where it hurts. Try bringing down the Casso Weapons Facility then, the Bane's primary manufacturing facility for Energy Weapons. Located on the planet Arieki in the southwestern region known as the Mires, this high priority military target is especially valuable to the Bane. Going Rambo on this place will benefit the AFS for some time.

But doing so ain't easy, and having the assistance of TTH's eloquent Tabula Rasa guides (in this case their Energy Weapons Center Guide) will increase the odds for success. Some of the more interesting nuggets o' knowledge in this guide include the time needed to run the instance (less than an hour, half thatif you're running with a group full of barbarians). During the mission ("It's All In the Timing") given to you by Sgt. Wolfe you'll have to time your movement through a maze of Death Star-like plasma reactors, otherwise you'll roast like a marshmallow left over an open flame too long. Once you get the timing down though, you can draw the mindless Bane in and watch them get incinerated. Good stuff!

For the whole briefing be sure to check out the guide, and help put a dent in the Bane's fight against humanity!

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Banedestination-gamesguidehow-toncsoftrichard-garriotttabula-rasaten-ton-hammertrFri, 04 Jan 2008 16:30:00 -0500319|1077528http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/tabula-rasa-a-time-to-remember/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/tabula-rasa-a-time-to-remember/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/tabula-rasa-a-time-to-remember/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsTabula Rasa lore buffs may be aware that we're quickly approaching the date of the Bane's invasion of the Earth on December 21st. To commemorate the event, NCsoft has released some fiction chronicling how the human populace of Tabula Rasa remember the world they left behind while fighting against the Bane on alien shores. Today we're publishing part one, below -- and check back tomorrow morning for part two.

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banebane-invasiondays-of-remembrancedestination-gamesfeaturedinvasionjoystiqfeaturesncsoftremembrance-daytabula-rasaTue, 18 Dec 2007 09:00:00 -0500319|1065198http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/building-the-bane/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/building-the-bane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/building-the-bane/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsOver at GameZone, there's a lengthy article about the origins of the main villains of the whole Tabula Rasa saga: The Bane. It's also got some beautiful shots from Destination Games of a Thrax soldier and the Neph, and goes into a bit of detail of the Bane hierarchy -- standard story fluff, you'd think, but intriguing.

The Thrax are quite well personalized as a race, actually -- in that they're immediately recognizeable as repulsive, and that you want to shoot them. It also makes a break from tradition in that they're the first foe you'll encounter in TR, and that they're not stupid; instead of the usual fighting of rats / bats / giant spiders / kobolds to introduce you to a standard MMO, dropping assorted body parts that you'll immediately sell for two shillings. Not that I'm a cynic, and not that other MMOs don't have their own memorable opponents -- be they Charr,Nazgûl, or other players.